Soil sensor for VWC and EC measurement

NiniX Technologies developed a soil sensor that continuously measures the volumetric water content (VWC) and the electrical conductivity (EC) of the soil in the root zone. With these real-time measurements, growers know exactly how much moisture is available to the crop and what the salt or nutrient level is, so they can irrigate and fertilise in a targeted and efficient way.

Measuring in the root zone

A soil sensor stays in the ground for long periods, in direct contact with moist soil. It is exposed to acids, fertilisers and other soil chemicals, to heavy mechanical pressure from the soil and from machines driving over the field, and to moisture that constantly tries to penetrate the sensor. Under these conditions, the sensor has to keep delivering reliable data.

Two measurements, one robust sensor

The sensor combines two measurements that together describe the condition of the root zone.

Volumetric water content (VWC)

The amount of water in the soil, which shows how much moisture is available to the crop.

Electrical conductivity (EC)

The conductivity of the soil, an indicator of the salt and nutrient level in the root zone.

The electronics protection shields the sensor against acids, fertilisers, soil chemicals, mechanical pressure and moisture ingress, so it keeps measuring reliably throughout the growing season.

Targeted irrigation and fertilisation

With continuous data on moisture and nutrient levels, growers irrigate and fertilise only where and when the crop needs it. Water and fertiliser are used more efficiently, and decisions are based on measurements in the root zone itself.

Key facts

ApplicationContinuous measurement of soil condition in the root zone
Measured parametersVolumetric water content (VWC), electrical conductivity (EC)
EnvironmentAcids, fertilisers, soil chemicals, mechanical pressure, moisture
ProtectionElectronics protection against chemicals, pressure and moisture ingress
NiniX scopeSensor development

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